Sigh... I'm trying to practice what I preach by taking a giant step, for me at least, and push myself to colour outside of my own boundaries; no pun intended. After many years of shooting in black and white, I finally reset my camera to shoot in colour...sigh again.

I am not a fan of colour photography at all. Not that I don't appreciate the works of others, I just feel much more connected to the aesthetics of monochrome. I always felt that since most of us see the world in colour, I don't have the need to duplicate those same bright hues with my photography. With black and white, I can recreate an alternative universe for myself. Exploring the world absent from colour leaves more to my imagination. I recently read a quote from Ted Grant that best reflects my approach to photography which states, "When you photograph people in colour, you photograph their clothes. But when you photograph people in black and white, you photograph their souls!".

On the other hand, theories, rules, and ideas are made to be pushed to their boundaries and even broken. I try to keep an open mind and be willing to at least explore things beyond my comfort zone. This world is diverse so being confined to a box is a very limiting and depressing thought. I have not done any photography (with the exception of work for clients) in colour in many years. This experiment was actually liberating. Not that the results are breathe taking, I just enjoyed the process of expressing myself in a new way.​

This photograph was created during a personal project capturing deep shade and shadows. I prefer doing street photography early in the morning or very late in the evening for a more dramatic aesthetics. Even though this particular image doesn't fit the requirements of my original idea, I love the sub-framing, reflections and slow shutter capturing a slight blur on the subject. I decided the create the title based on the break in text on the store window.

With a limited amount of frames on a roll of film, I've adjusted to the idea that every shot must count. This idea is also true in life. Film photography is about investing in the moment. I am learning to spend less time worrying about things I can't control. I replace negative thoughts with enjoying simple things that I used to take for granted. However, the results aren't always free from flaws. The lesson is each attempt is better then the last. I am finding comfort in being in the moment; to stop, observe, think and create.

During this past spring, I anticipated spending the summer months enjoying the sunshine, sporadic motorcycle rides and weekend getaways. I was especially looking forward to shooting more film photography, specifically with my medium format camera. However, the realities of life had other plans. Unexpected roadblocks and obstacles not only rerouted my summer excursions but totally derailed my level of creativity. Now that August is upon us, I missed out on some prime opportunities to expand my portfolio. Yet, I don't feel particular bad about it simply because I really had nothing to say artistically. The few times I did photography over the summer, I wasn't fully engaged in the process. I was shooting with film cameras 100% of the time yet I am not overly anxious to see the results right now either (I don't plan to do any film developing until the fall). ​I feel that my creative drought is temporary and will eventually pass. I much prefer to be patient and allow inspiration to find me rather than force myself to shoot just to be shooting. I want my photography to have depth, purpose and meaning. Film photography has taught me to make every frame count. Capturing a micro-second of time should not be taken for granted. This is a simple belief in quality to quantity.

With that, I like to think that my creative process is in the brewing stages. Bold, flavorful coffee is a craft. It takes time, patience and passion. I can surely wait...